Columbus to continue focus on housing issues in new year

Columbus Mayor Mary Ferdon says the city of Columbus will continue to work on housing issues in 2026, including affordable housing and helping the homeless population.

Ferdon recently outlined numerous new housing developments going on across the city, many with affordable housing options. Those include the 1020 North project on Washington Street, Taylor Uptown at Sixth and Washington, Hawcreek Meadows on Midway, Flats on 14th Street, Chase Point subdivision on State Road 46 and a future project on State Street where the former County Highway Garage was located.

In the past year, the city put together a program called PACT, aimed at incentives for small developers.

She also outlined city efforts to work with the United Way of Bartholomew County to reduce homelessness in the community.

Ferdon said that the most recent numbers available are from November, with the United Way reporting 485 contacts last year and were able to house 138 people and stabilize 172 people, keeping them in their home.

She explains the importance of stabilization: